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Where to see Fourth of July fireworks

Fireworks explode during God and Country Day held off Highway 27 and County Road 225A in Ocala on July 4, 2012.

Jacqui Janetzko/Correspondent/File

Published: Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 1:48 p.m.

Marion County

Red, White & Blues

When: Beginning 6 p.m. July 3

Where: Citizens' Circle at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

Information: A celebration of our nation's independence with blues music by the Jimmy Sparks Band and The Suitors. Also, food, ice cream, craft vendors, the splash pad and fireworks off the city hall roof. (629-8444 or www.ocalafl.org/recpark)

Information: The annual Fourth of July eve event is open to the public and features contemporary jazz from Richy Stano and Mindwalk, contemporary rock music by Mark Gaignard and the Barstool Prophets and the Gainesville Community Band. LifeSouth Community Blood Center hosts a blood drive. Alcohol, sparklers and dogs are not allowed for safety reasons. Fireworks at 9:40 p.m.

Information: Registration for a Big Bass Fishing Tournament begins at 3:30 a.m. at the boat ramp. A Family Fun Run and a 5K run, antique car show from 9 a.m. to noon. Also bounce houses, karaoke, train rides and a water park from noon to dusk. Fireworks at dusk.

Cost: Free, but certain activities, including bounce houses, games and pony rides, are an additional cost.

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Williston Independence Day Celebration

When: 5 p.m. to dusk July 3

Where: Horseman's Park, 803 SW 19th Ave., Williston

Information: Noble Avenue parade at 5 p.m. followed by food, entertainment and family-friendly activities, pony and amusement rides at Horseman's Park. A $2 parking donation is requested. Fireworks at dusk.

Information: Live musical performances at 4 p.m. Attendees under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older to enter. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. over the St. Johns River, and they can be viewed from the north bank and south bank. Two river barges available near The Jacksonville Landing and behind the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Drive.

Cost: Fireworks are free.

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Fireworks Over the Matanzas

When: 6 to 10 p.m. July 4

Where: Plaza de la Constitucion, 75 King St., St. Augustine

Information: The All Star Orchestra performs big band, swing and patriotic favorites beginning at 6 p.m. at the Plaza de la Constitucion. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over the Matanzas Bay choreographed to popular music.

Cost: Free

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Fireworks at the Fountain, downtown Orlando

When: 4 to 10 p.m. July 4

Where: Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando

Information: Activities for the children and entertainment on two different stages, including national recording artist Joel Crouse and Orlando Concert Band. Fireworks at 9:10 p.m.

Cost: Free

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Red Hot & Boom

When: 4 to 11 p.m. July 4

Where: Cranes Roost Lake, Altamonte Springs

Information: Festival and fireworks display with live music from national and international entertainers, including The Jonas Brothers, MKTO, Melissa Gorga, Nikki Williams and Stefano, and food/beverage booths. (www.redhotandboom.com)

Cost: Free

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Red, Brick & Boom

When: 9 p.m. July 4 to July 6

Where: Legoland Florida, Winter Haven

Information: Celebrate Independence Day at Legoland Florida with 3-D glasses July 4. The park has extended hours from July 4 to July 6, and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Cost: Included with park admission

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Busch Gardens “Summer Nights”

When: Extended hours until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 8 to Aug. 8

Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa

Information: As part of Busch Garden's “Summer Nights,” fireworks will light up the sky above SheiKra each night. Acrobats and dancers perform at Gwazi Field.

<p><b>Marion County</b></p><p><b>Red, White & Blues</b></p><p><b>When:</b> Beginning 6 p.m. July 3</p><p><b>Where:</b> Citizens' Circle at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala</p><p><b>Information:</b> A celebration of our nation's independence with blues music by the Jimmy Sparks Band and The Suitors. Also, food, ice cream, craft vendors, the splash pad and fireworks off the city hall roof. (629-8444 or www.ocalafl.org/recpark)</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Freedom Celebration</b></p><p><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. July 3</p><p><b>Where:</b> Souls Harbor Church, 12650 SE County Road 484, Belleview</p><p><b>Information:</b> Fireworks, food and more. (245-3227 or www.SoulsHarborFPC.com)</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>God and Country Day</b></p><p><b>When:</b> 1 p.m. to sundown July 4; Fireworks to start around 9 p.m.</p><p><b>Where:</b> Property on the corner of U.S. 27 and County Road 225A, Ocala</p><p><b>Information:</b> Family activities, games, food, vendors and fireworks. (www.facebook.com/ocala.jaycees?fref=ts)</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>4th of July Extravaganza</b></p><p><b>When:</b> 7:30 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Silver Springs attraction, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala</p><p><b>Information:</b> KC and The Sunshine Band perform in the penultimate concert at the nature park before it becomes a state park. Fireworks follow the concert. (236-2121 or silversprings.com)</p><p><b>Cost:</b> $34.99</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Independence Day Celebration</b></p><p><b>When:</b> Beginning 8 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Crossroads Church of God, 8070 SW 60th Ave., Ocala</p><p><b>Information:</b> Children's bike parade, fireworks and more. (291-2080 or www.crossroadscog.net)</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Alachua County</b></p><p><b>Fanfares & Fireworks</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. July 3</p><p><b>Where:</b> Flavet Field at the University of Florida, Gainesville</p><p><b>Information:</b> The annual Fourth of July eve event is open to the public and features contemporary jazz from Richy Stano and Mindwalk, contemporary rock music by Mark Gaignard and the Barstool Prophets and the Gainesville Community Band. LifeSouth Community Blood Center hosts a blood drive. Alcohol, sparklers and dogs are not allowed for safety reasons. Fireworks at 9:40 p.m.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Micanopy Independence Day Celebration</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to dusk July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> The Carson Roberts Sports Complex, 702 NW Eestaulkee Ave., Micanopy</p><p><b>Information:</b> Parade at 11 a.m. on Cholokka Boulevard followed by a fish fry at the Micanopy Museum, a children's bounce house from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Micanopy Ball Park. Fireworks begin at dusk.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free. Fish fry is $10 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and younger.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>The Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 3 to 10 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Hal Brady Recreation Complex, 14300 NW 146th Terrace, Alachua</p><p><b>Information:</b> A petting zoo, bounce houses and water slides, spray park and skateboard park located at the complex. For adults, bingo contests, dancing groups, vendors and live musical entertainment. Free parking. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Nearby counties</b></p><p><b>Our Country Day</b></p><p><b>When:</b> 8 a.m. to dusk July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Keystone Beach Park, 565 S. Lawrence Blvd., Keystone Heights</p><p><b>Information:</b> An 8 a.m. 5K race with registration at 7 a.m.; crafts, food and vendors at Keystone Heights Nature Park and City Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 10 a.m., a parade, watermelon-eating contest. Fireworks at dusk.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Wristbands cost $1 and are sold in advance on a first-come, first-served basis at City Hall, </p><p>Genesis Fitness, Mallards Dollarama and other downtown businesses.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Lake Butler Fourth of July Celebration</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 3:30 p.m. to dusk July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Lakeside Park, Lake Avenue on Northwest Third Street, Lake Butler</p><p><b>Information:</b> Registration for a Big Bass Fishing Tournament begins at 3:30 a.m. at the boat ramp. A Family Fun Run and a 5K run, antique car show from 9 a.m. to noon. Also bounce houses, karaoke, train rides and a water park from noon to dusk. Fireworks at dusk.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free, but certain activities, including bounce houses, games and pony rides, are an additional cost.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Williston Independence Day Celebration</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 5 p.m. to dusk July 3</p><p><b>Where:</b> Horseman's Park, 803 SW 19th Ave., Williston</p><p><b>Information:</b> Noble Avenue parade at 5 p.m. followed by food, entertainment and family-friendly activities, pony and amusement rides at Horseman's Park. A $2 parking donation is requested. Fireworks at dusk.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Out of town</b></p><p><b>Jacksonville Fourth of July Celebration</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 4 to 10 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Drive West, Jacksonville</p><p><b>Information:</b> Live musical performances at 4 p.m. Attendees under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older to enter. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. over the St. Johns River, and they can be viewed from the north bank and south bank. Two river barges available near The Jacksonville Landing and behind the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 E. Coastline Drive.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Fireworks are free.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Fireworks Over the Matanzas</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 6 to 10 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Plaza de la Constitucion, 75 King St., St. Augustine</p><p><b>Information:</b> The All Star Orchestra performs big band, swing and patriotic favorites beginning at 6 p.m. at the Plaza de la Constitucion. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. over the Matanzas Bay choreographed to popular music.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Fireworks at the Fountain, downtown Orlando</b> </p><p><b>When:</b> 4 to 10 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Lake Eola Park, 195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando</p><p><b>Information:</b> Activities for the children and entertainment on two different stages, including national recording artist Joel Crouse and Orlando Concert Band. Fireworks at 9:10 p.m.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Red Hot & Boom</b></p><p><b>When:</b> 4 to 11 p.m. July 4</p><p><b>Where:</b> Cranes Roost Lake, Altamonte Springs</p><p><b>Information:</b> Festival and fireworks display with live music from national and international entertainers, including The Jonas Brothers, MKTO, Melissa Gorga, Nikki Williams and Stefano, and food/beverage booths. (www.redhotandboom.com)</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Free</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Red, Brick & Boom</b></p><p><b>When:</b> 9 p.m. July 4 to July 6</p><p><b>Where:</b> Legoland Florida, Winter Haven</p><p><b>Information:</b> Celebrate Independence Day at Legoland Florida with 3-D glasses July 4. The park has extended hours from July 4 to July 6, and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Included with park admission</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Busch Gardens “Summer Nights”</b></p><p><b>When:</b> Extended hours until 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 8 to Aug. 8</p><p><b>Where:</b> Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa</p><p><b>Information:</b> As part of Busch Garden's “Summer Nights,” fireworks will light up the sky above SheiKra each night. Acrobats and dancers perform at Gwazi Field.</p><p><b>Cost:</b> Included with park admission</p>